Project Data

Weldon E. Horner

********@*****.*** 860-***-****

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/weldon-horner/57/99b/b44

SUMMARY

Experienced in vivo and in vitro pharmacologist with neurochemistry and mechanistic emphasis. Consummate project team member for drug discovery, experimental design, and assay development. In depth experience with stereotaxic surgery and In Vivo microdialysis technique. Expert in bioanalytical separation and detection techniques for quantitative analysis of neurotransmitters, small molecules, peptides, and proteins, in biological samples and microdialysates utilizing HPLC and UPLC coupled to electrochemical, fluorescence, mass spectrometry detection. Continued to develop and improve new experimental sampling techniques to measure neurotransmitters and exogenous compounds in the CNS. Conducted studies independently and with colleagues to generate novel data, design new assays, and publish results, thereby enhancing understanding of important facets of neuroscience.

Discipline Technical Skills

Analytical Chemistry • HPLC, UPLC chromatography

• LC-MSMS, Waters, Sciex, Thermo

• Electrochemical, Fluorescence, UV/VIS detection

Stereotaxic Surgery • intracranial microdialysis in rodent models

Translational Pharmacology • pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic strategies

Information Management • research and analysis of scientific information

• identification and documentation of pharmacodynamic markers and biomarkers

• reports and publications writing

General • Beta testing new separation and detection methodologies

• rodent in vivo skills, surgery, multiple dosing routes (SC, IP, IV, PO, ICV)

• lab instrumentation maintenance

Accomplishments

• Generated key data to drive development decisions of 2 Pfizer marketed drugs (smoking cessation, Varenicline- CHANTIX TM) and (atypical antipsychotic Ziprasidone – GeodonTM).

• Developed microdialysis model to show in vivo effects of H3 antagonism, provided key data for candidate selection for H3 antagonist program, received Circle of Willis Award.

• Developed microdialysis model to show in vivo effects of KATII inhibition, provided key data for candidate selection for KATII Inhibitor program, received Individual Performance Award.

• Established groundwork results for 3 successful biomarker programs for clinical trials yielding proof of mechanism.

• Facilitated acquisition, installation, managed and maintained 2 LCMS systems leading to enhanced analytical capacity and efficiency for neurochemistry lab.

• Developed and performed microdialysis model to continuously sample from brain tissue (Frontal Cortex) and CSF space (Cisterna Magna) simultaneously in freely moving rodents, providing vital translational pharmacology support.

• Promoted to Senior Scientist (2004) and received 3 Individual Performance Awards for work done beyond expectations (2005, 2008, and 2010).

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

PFIZER INC., GROTON, CT

2004-2011 Senior Scientist

Neuroscience Enabling Technologies Group

• Developed in vivo microdialysis models for neuropsychiatric disorders in support of discovery programs within the neuroscience research unit.

• Developed and validated analytical methods necessary for the characterization of release of neurotransmitters, small molecules, peptides and proteins in microdialysates primarily utilizing HPLC-EC, FLUORESENCE, LC-MS/MS chromatographic techniques.

• Collaborated with a broad spectrum of research colleagues within the research unit as well as, statistics, drug metabolism, clinical assay group and drug safety scientists to design critical experiments to elucidate mechanism of action and or circuitry.

• Routinely participated in cross-platform training/mentoring to expand depth of knowledge within research space and utilize new approaches/technologies to suit project needs.

• Proficient with and Microsoft Suite, as well as, internal Pfizer proprietary IT Applications pertaining to drug target design/development and record keeping.

PFIZER INC., GROTON, CT

1995-2004 Scientist,

CNS Pharmacology Unit

• Identified neuroscience programs where microdialysis data provided mechanistic support.

• Developed microdialysis model to show in vivo effects of H3 antagonism, provided key data for candidate selection for H3 antagonist program, received “Circle of Willis Award”.

• Collaborated with PDM to develop and optimize methods for quantifying brain region specific free compound levels using microdialysis technique.

PFIZER INC., GROTON, CT

1989-1995 Associate Scientist

CNS Research Unit

• Developed and validated analytical methods necessary for the characterization and release of neurotransmitters in brain tissue homogenates utilizing HPCL-EC and Fluorescence detection.

• Conducted catecholamine turnover studies for weekly in vivo screening data to drive lead series selection and lead compound identification for “atypical antipsychotic” discovery project, which supported the discovery of Geodon (CP-88059).

EDUCATION

B.S. Biology, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT

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